Print

Cheesy Beef Taco Pockets Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 643 reviews

These Cheesy Beef Taco Pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make handheld meal perfect for a quick dinner or snack. Ground beef is seasoned with warming spices, simmered in tomato sauce, and combined with melted cheddar cheese before being folded into soft flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro for a flavorful Mexican-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Assembly

  • 8–10 small or medium flour tortillas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to evenly coat the meat. Pour in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the mixture to cool briefly before assembling.
  2. Assemble the Pockets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center. Fold the edges of the tortilla over the filling to create a pocket or a half-moon shape, sealing the edges with a little water if necessary to keep them closed. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  3. Bake: Arrange the assembled pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up and brown evenly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pockets turn golden and crispy on the outside.
  4. Serve: Remove the taco pockets from the oven and serve them warm. Enhance the flavor by adding optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Optional cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for authentic taste.
  • Use small or medium tortillas for easy folding and handling.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.

Keywords: Cheesy Beef Taco Pockets, ground beef tacos, baked taco pockets, Mexican inspired recipe, easy taco recipe, cheesy beef pockets

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/cheesy-beef-taco-pockets-recipe/